SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ) Filed by the Registrant [X] Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ] Check the appropriate box: [ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) [X] Definitive Proxy Statement [ ] Definitive Additional Materials [ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12 HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than Registrant) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): [X] No fee required [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. 1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: ----------------------------------------------------------------- 3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): ----------------------------------------------------------------- 4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: ----------------------------------------------------------------- 5) Total fee paid: ----------------------------------------------------------------- [ ] Fee paid previously by written preliminary materials. [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. 1) Amount Previously Paid: ------------------------------------------- 2) Form Schedule or Registration Statement No. ----------------------- 3) Filing Party: ----------------------------------------------------- 4) Date Filed: ------------------------------------------------------- HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC. Utica at Twenty-first Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Helmerich & Payne, Inc., will be held at The Philbrook Museum of Art, Patti Johnson Wilson Hall, 2727 South Rockford Road, Tulsa, Oklahoma, at 12:00 noon, Tulsa time, on Wednesday, March 5, 2003, for the following purposes: 1. To elect three Directors comprising the class of Directors of the Corporation known as the "Third Class" for a three-year term expiring in 2006. 2. To consider and transact any other business which properly may come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. In accordance with the By-Laws, the close of business on January 9, 2003, has been fixed as the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, said meeting. The stock transfer books will not close. The Corporation's Proxy Statement is submitted herewith. The annual report for the year ended September 30, 2002, has either been mailed previously to stockholders or accompanies this Proxy Statement. STOCKHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO ATTEND IN PERSON, BUT WISH THEIR STOCK TO BE VOTED ON MATTERS TO BE TRANSACTED, ARE URGED TO SIGN, DATE, AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE, TO WHICH NO POSTAGE NEED BE AFFIXED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. THE PROMPT RETURN OF YOUR SIGNED PROXY, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU HOLD, WILL AID THE CORPORATION IN REDUCING THE EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL PROXY SOLICITATION. THE GIVING OF SUCH PROXY DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN PERSON IN THE EVENT YOU ATTEND THE MEETING. By Order of The Board of Directors /s/ STEVEN R. MACKEY STEVEN R. MACKEY Secretary Tulsa, Oklahoma January 24, 2003 HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC. Utica at Twenty-first Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114 ------------------------------- PROXY STATEMENT ------------------------------- GENERAL INFORMATION The enclosed proxy is being solicited by and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (the "Corporation"), and will be voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on March 5, 2003. This statement and the accompanying proxy are first being sent or given to stockholders on or about January 24, 2003. Any stockholder giving a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is voted by voting in person at the Annual Meeting or by delivery of a later-dated proxy. The cost of this solicitation will be paid by the Corporation. In addition to solicitation by mail, arrangements may be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send proxies and proxy material to their principals. The Corporation does not intend to cause a solicitation to be made by specially engaged employees or other paid solicitors. At the close of business on January 9, 2003, there were 50,024,781 issued and outstanding shares of the common stock of the Corporation, the holders of which are entitled to one vote per share on all matters. There is no other class of securities of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on January 9, 2003, will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS The following table sets forth the name and address of each stockholder of the Corporation who, to the knowledge of the Corporation, beneficially owns more than 5% of the Corporation's common stock, the number of shares beneficially owned by each, and the percentage of outstanding stock so owned, as of January 9, 2003. AMOUNT AND NATURE OF TITLE NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF CLASS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP(1) OF CLASS -------- ------------------- ------------ -------- Common Stock State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company One State Farm Plaza Bloomington, Illinois 61710 4,135,200(2) 8.267% Common Stock Wellington Management Company, LLP 75 State Street Boston, Massachusetts 02109 2,790,150(3) 5.578% --------------- (1) Unless otherwise indicated, all shares are owned directly by the named entity, with such entity possessing sole voting and dispositive power with respect to such shares. (2) State Farm Mutual Fund Trust has shared dispositive power over 6,600 shares. This information is based upon State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company's Schedule 13G Amendment dated January 31, 2002. (3) Wellington Management Company, LLP has shared voting power over 2,168,150 shares and shared dispositive power over 2,790,150 shares. This information is based upon Wellington Management Company, LLP's Schedule 13G Amendment dated February 14, 2002. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth the total number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each of the present Directors and nominees, the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and the other four most highly compensated executive officers (the Chief Executive Officer and other four most highly compensated executive officers collectively, the "named executive officers"), and all directors and executive officers as a group, and the percent of the outstanding common stock so owned by each as of January 9, 2003. AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PERCENT DIRECTORS AND NAMED BENEFICIAL OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS TITLE OF CLASS OWNERSHIP(1) CLASS(2) ------------------- -------------- ------------ -------- W. H. Helmerich, III Common Stock 1,962,460(3) 3.923% Hans Helmerich Common Stock 865,322(4) 1.708% George S. Dotson Common Stock 512,695(5) 1.016% Douglas E. Fears Common Stock 179,834(6) Steven R. Mackey Common Stock 101,855(7) L. F. Rooney, III Common Stock 36,679(8) Steven R. Shaw Common Stock 29,913(9) John D. Zeglis Common Stock 10,679(10) Glenn A. Cox Common Stock 9,679(11) George A. Schaefer Common Stock 8,679(12) William L. Armstrong Common Stock 8,679(13) Edward B. Rust, Jr. Common Stock 7,079(14) Paula Marshall-Chapman Common Stock 200 All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group Common Stock 3,733,753(15) 7.272% --------------- (1) The number of shares underlying options reflected in the footnotes to this table have been adjusted to reflect the change in value of the Corporation's stock as a result of the September 30, 2002 spin-off of the Corporation's former wholly-owned subsidiary, Cimarex Energy Co. Unless otherwise indicated, all shares are owned directly by the named person, and he or she has sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares. (2) Percentage calculation not included if beneficial ownership is less than one percent of class. (3) Includes 150,000 shares owned by The Helmerich Foundation, an Oklahoma charitable trust, for which Mr. Helmerich is Trustee, and 20,000 shares owned by Ivy League, Inc., of which Mr. Helmerich is President and Director. Mr. Helmerich possesses sole voting and investment power over all indirectly owned shares. (4) Includes options to purchase 624,150 shares exercisable within 60 days; 9,555 shares fully vested under the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 401(k) Plan as of January 9, 2003; 21,545 shares owned by Mr. Hans 2 Helmerich's wife, with respect to which he has disclaimed all beneficial ownership; 14,800 shares held by Mr. Helmerich as Trustee for various trusts for members of his immediate family, as to which he has sole voting and investment power; 2,000 shares held by Mr. Helmerich as a Co-trustee for a family trust for which he shares voting and investment power; and 30,000 shares held by The Helmerich Trust, an Oklahoma charitable trust, for which Mr. Helmerich is a Co-trustee, and for which he shares voting and investment power. (5) Includes options to purchase 420,480 shares exercisable within 60 days; 4,117 shares fully vested under the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 401(k) Plan as of January 9, 2003; 1,300 shares held in a trust for a family member for which Mr. Dotson, as a Co-trustee, shares voting and investment power; 39,554 shares owned by Mr. Dotson's wife, with respect to which he has disclaimed all beneficial ownership; and 11,125 shares owned by The Dotson Family Charitable Foundation, for which Mr. Dotson is Co-trustee, and for which he shares voting and investment power. (6) Includes options to purchase 158,337 shares exercisable within 60 days; 500 shares fully vested under the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 401(k) Plan as of January 9, 2003; and 800 shares owned by a charitable foundation, for which Mr. Fears is Co-trustee, and for which he shares voting and investment power. (7) Includes options to purchase 95,594 shares exercisable within 60 days and 788 shares fully vested under the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 401(k) Plan as of January 9, 2003. (8) Includes 29,000 shares held by a corporation controlled by Mr. Rooney and options to purchase 3,679 shares within 60 days. (9) Includes 3,637 shares fully vested under the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 401(k) Plan as of January 9, 2003. Mr. Shaw resigned from the Corporation on September 30, 2002. (10) Includes options to purchase 3,679 shares within 60 days. (11) Includes 2,000 shares held in a revocable trust known as the Glenn A. Cox Trust, UTA, with respect to which voting and investment power are shared with Mr. Cox's wife and options to purchase 3,679 shares within 60 days. (12) Includes options to purchase 3,679 shares within 60 days. (13) Includes options to purchase 3,679 shares within 60 days. (14) Includes options to purchase 3,679 shares within 60 days. (15) Includes options to purchase 1,320,635 shares exercisable within 60 days and 18,597 shares fully vested under the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 401(k) Plan as of January 9, 2003. PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors of the Corporation ("Board") is divided into three classes -- First Class, Second Class, and Third Class -- whose terms expire in different years. The terms of the Directors of the Third Class 3 expire this year, and their successors are to be elected at this Annual Meeting. The terms of the Directors of the First Class and the Second Class do not expire until 2004 and 2005, respectively, and consequently their successors are not to be elected at this Annual Meeting. Upon the conclusion of this Annual Meeting, the First Class of Directors will include four Directors and the Second and Third Classes of Directors will be comprised of three Directors each. The Directors belonging to the First Class and the Second Class, which are not coming up for election at this meeting, and Nominees for Directors of the Third Class, are as follows: DIRECTORS OF THE FIRST CLASS YEAR EXPIRATION FIRST OF PRESENT BECAME NAME AGE TERM PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS DIRECTOR ---- --- ---------- ---------------------------------------------- -------- Hans Helmerich 44 2004 President of the Corporation and Chief 1987 Executive Officer; holds similar positions as (Hans Helmerich photo) Chairman or President and as Chief Executive Officer of subsidiary companies. Director of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. and Cimarex Energy Co. George S. Dotson 62 2004 Vice President of the Corporation and 1990 President and Chief Operating Officer of (George S. Dotson photo) Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co.; holds similar positions as President and Chief Operating Officer of Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co. subsidiary companies. Director of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. and Varco International, Inc. 4 YEAR EXPIRATION FIRST OF PRESENT BECAME NAME AGE TERM PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS DIRECTOR ---- --- ---------- ---------------------------------------------- -------- George A. Schaefer 74 2004 Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 1988 of Caterpillar Inc. (manufacturer of (George A. Schaefer photo) earthmoving, construction, and materials- handling machinery and equipment). Director of Aon Corporation. Paula Marshall-Chapman 49 2004 Chief Executive Officer of The Bama Companies, 2002 Inc. (manufacturer and marketer of food (Paula Marshall-Chapman photo) products). 5 DIRECTORS OF THE SECOND CLASS YEAR EXPIRATION FIRST OF PRESENT BECAME NAME AGE TERM PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS DIRECTOR ---- --- ---------- ---------------------------------------------- -------- John D. Zeglis 55 2005 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, AT&T 1989 Wireless Services, Inc. (wireless phone (John D. Zeglis photo) services company). Director of AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. and Georgia-Pacific Corporation. William L. Armstrong 65 2005 Chairman of Transland Financial Services, Inc. 1992 (mortgage banking); Cherry Creek Mortgage (William L. Armstrong photo) Company (mortgage banking); The El Paso Mortgage Company (mortgage banking); and Centennial State Mortgage Company (mortgage banking). Director of UNUMProvident Corporation and Storage Technology Corp. Trustee of Denver-based Oppenheimer Funds. L. F. Rooney, III 49 2005 Chairman, Manhattan Construction Company 1996 (construction and construction management (L. F. Rooney, III photo) services) and President of Rooney Brothers Company (holding company with interests in construction, electronics and building components). Director of BOK Financial Corp. and Cimarex Energy Co. 6 NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS OF THE THIRD CLASS YEAR EXPIRATION FIRST OF PRESENT BECAME NAME AGE TERM PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND CURRENT DIRECTORSHIPS DIRECTOR ---- --- ---------- ---------------------------------------------- -------- W. H. Helmerich, III 80 2003 Chairman of the Board of the Corporation. 1949 Director of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. (W. H. Helmerich, III photo) Glenn A. Cox 73 2003 Retired President and Chief Operating Officer 1992 of Phillips Petroleum Company (large (Glenn A. Cox photo) integrated oil company). Director of Cimarex Energy Co. Edward B. Rust, Jr. 52 2003 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive 1997 Officer of State Farm Mutual Automobile (Edward B. Rust, Jr. photo) Insurance Company. Director of State Farm VP Management Corp.; State Farm Mutual Fund Trust; and The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Messrs. W. H. Helmerich, III, Hans Helmerich and George S. Dotson are Directors of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. ("Atwood"), and the Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, owns common stock of Atwood. As a result, Atwood may be deemed to be an affiliate of the Corporation. 7 With regard to the election of Directors, stockholders may vote in favor of all nominees, withhold their votes as to all nominees, or withhold their votes as to specific nominees. Unless otherwise specified, the proxies on the enclosed form which are executed and returned will be voted for the nominees listed above as "Nominees for Directors of the Third Class." The proxies executed and returned on the enclosed form can be voted only for the named nominees. If any one of the nominees is not a candidate at the Annual Meeting, an event which management does not anticipate, the proxies will be voted for a substitute nominee. The election of Directors will require the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of common stock voting in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. In all matters other than election of directors, a majority of shares of common stock voting in person or by proxy is required for approval. Abstentions and broker non-votes shall not be counted except for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the meeting. The Corporation's transfer agent will tabulate all votes which are received prior to the date of the Annual Meeting. The Corporation has appointed two employee inspectors to receive the transfer agent's tabulation, to tabulate all other votes, and to certify the voting results. The principal occupation of each of the Directors and the Nominees for Directors of the Third Class is as set forth in the tables above and has been the same occupation for the past five years except with respect to Mr. John D. Zeglis, who was President of AT&T Corporation (1997-1999) and Vice Chairman of AT&T Corporation (June-November, 1997); and Mr. Edward B. Rust, Jr. who was President of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company prior to September, 1998. Mr. Hans Helmerich is a son of Mr. W. H. Helmerich, III. ATTENDANCE There were four regularly scheduled meetings and two special meetings of the Board held during fiscal 2002. Except as stated below, no Director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees held during fiscal 2002. Mr. William L. Armstrong did not attend the Human Resources Committee meeting held on December 4, 2001. COMMITTEES Messrs. Cox, Rust, and Rooney are members of the Audit Committee. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. The primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its independent and objective oversight responsibilities of financial reporting and internal financial and accounting controls of the Corporation. Each member of the Audit Committee is "independent" as that term is defined by the Listing Standards of the New York Stock Exchange. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the Audit Committee held two meetings. Messrs. Armstrong, Schaefer, and Zeglis are members of the Human Resources Committee. The functions of the Human Resources Committee are to review and make recommendations or decisions regarding: (i) the election and salaries of officers and key management employees; (ii) bonus awards, stock option plans and awards, and other fringe benefit plans; and (iii) management succession. During the year ended September 30, 2002, the Human Resources Committee held one meeting. Ms. Chapman and Messrs. Armstrong, Cox, Rooney, Rust, Schaefer, and Zeglis are members of the Nominating and Governance Committee, which was established in December of 2002. The functions of the Committee are to identify and to recommend to the Board the selection of Director nominees for each annual 8 meeting of stockholders or for any vacancies on the Board and to make recommendations to the Board regarding the adoption or amendment of corporate governance principles applicable to the Corporation. There have been no meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee has not determined whether the Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION SUMMARY OF CASH AND CERTAIN OTHER COMPENSATION The information contained in the following Summary Compensation Table for fiscal years 2002, 2001, and 2000 is furnished with respect to the named executive officers. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE LONG-TERM COMPENSATION --------------------------------- ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS PAYOUTS ------------------------------------------ ----------------------- ------- (1) (2) OTHER SECURITIES (3) ANNUAL RESTRICTED UNDERLYING LTIP ALL OTHER NAME AND PRINCIPAL COMPENSATION STOCK OPTIONS PAYOUTS COMPENSATION POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) ($) AWARDS($) (#) ($) ($) ------------------ ---- --------- -------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------- ------------ Hans Helmerich 2002 501,025 210,000 958 -- 90,000 -- 10,000 President and 2001 483,750 550,000 900 -- 90,000 -- 8,500 CEO 2000 460,000 425,000 782 -- 90,000 -- 8,500 George S. Dotson 2002 435,684 190,000 633 -- 60,000 -- 10,000 Vice President 2001 416,698 315,000 593 -- 60,000 -- 8,500 and President of 2000 405,654 220,000 545 -- 60,000 -- 8,500 Drilling Subsidiary Steven R. Shaw(4) 2002 316,975 150,000 544 -- 50,000 -- 10,000 Vice President 2001 304,750 120,000 543 -- 50,000 -- 8,500 Exploration and 2000 286,000 200,000 479 -- 50,000 -- 8,500 Production Douglas E. Fears 2002 259,715 180,000 736 -- 30,000 -- 10,000 Vice President 2001 250,500 180,000 709 -- 30,000 -- 8,500 Finance 2000 237,500 135,000 669 -- 30,000 -- 8,500 Steven R. Mackey 2002 216,770 160,000 493 -- 25,000 -- 10,000 Vice President, 2001 209,804 150,000 475 -- 25,000 -- 8,500 General Counsel 2000 199,000 110,000 582 -- 25,000 -- 8,200 and Secretary --------------- (1) The amounts specified in this column represent payments of estimated tax liability with respect to Corporation-provided health and retirement benefits. The aggregate amount of perquisites and other personal benefits was less than either $50,000 or 10% of the total annual salary and bonus reported for each of the named executive officers. 9 (2) The number of shares underlying options granted and reflected in the table for fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000 do not reflect the adjustment made after September 30, 2002, to reflect the change in value of the Corporation's stock as a result of the spin-off of the Corporation's former wholly-owned subsidiary, Cimarex Energy Co. The number of shares underlying such options have been increased by a factor of 1.314 by reason of such adjustment. (3) With respect to each of the named executive officers, the amounts specified in this column represent only the Corporation's matching contributions to its 401(k) Plan on behalf of each such executive officer. (4) Mr. Shaw resigned from the Corporation on September 30, 2002. STOCK OPTION GRANTS The following table provides information with respect to stock options granted during fiscal year 2002. OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR(1) GRANT DATE INDIVIDUAL GRANTS VALUE -------------------------------------------------- ------------- PERCENT OF NUMBER OF TOTAL SECURITIES OPTIONS UNDERLYING GRANTED TO OPTIONS EMPLOYEES EXERCISE OR GRANT DATE GRANTED IN FISCAL BASE PRICE EXPIRATION PRESENT VALUE NAME (#)(2) YEAR ($/SH)(3) DATE $(4) ---- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ------------- Hans Helmerich........................ 90,000 .110 29.78 12/5/11 942,300 George S. Dotson...................... 60,000 .073 29.78 12/5/11 628,200 Steven R. Shaw(5)..................... 50,000 .061 29.78 12/5/11 523,500 Douglas E. Fears...................... 30,000 .037 29.78 12/5/11 314,100 Steven R. Mackey...................... 25,000 .031 29.78 12/5/11 261,750 --------------- (1) The number of shares underlying options granted and the exercise price per share in this chart do not reflect the adjustment made after September 30, 2002, to reflect the change in the value of the Corporation's stock as a result of the spin-off of the Corporation's former wholly-owned subsidiary, Cimarex Energy Co. The number of shares underlying such options have been increased by a factor of 1.314 by reason of such adjustment. (2) These options were granted pursuant to the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and are nonqualified stock options which vest annually in 25% increments, beginning one year from the date of grant. (3) The exercise price is the fair market value of the Corporation's stock on the grant date. (4) The hypothetical present values on grant date were calculated under a modified Black-Scholes model, which is a mathematical formula used to value options. This formula considers a number of factors in hypothesizing an option's present value. Factors used to value the options include the stock's expected annual volatility rate (50.00%), risk free rate of return (5.09%), dividend yield (1.04%), term (10 years), and discounts for forfeiture of unvested shares (21.21%) and reduced term on vested shares (19.19%). (5) Mr. Shaw resigned from the Corporation on September 30, 2002. 10 The ultimate values of these options will depend on the future market price of the Corporation's stock, which cannot be forecast with reasonable accuracy. The Corporation does not believe that the Black-Scholes model, whether modified or not modified, or any other valuation model, is a reliable method of computing the present value of the Corporation's employee stock options. The actual value, if any, the optionee will realize will depend on the excess of the market value of the Corporation's stock over the exercise price on the date of exercise. OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS The following chart sets forth information with respect to the named executive officers of the Corporation concerning the exercise of options during the last fiscal year and unexercised options held as of the end of the fiscal year. AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION VALUES(1) NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT OPTIONS AT FY-END(#) FY-END($)(2) SHARES ACQUIRED EXERCISABLE(3)/ EXERCISABLE/ NAME ON EXERCISE(#) VALUE REALIZED($) UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE ---- --------------- ----------------- ---------------- ------------- Hans Helmerich..................... -0- -0- 385,000/ 4,037,851/ 225,000 1,348,426 George S. Dotson................... -0- -0- 260,000/ 2,719,126/ 150,000 898,751 Steven R. Shaw(4).................. -0- -0- 155,000/ 1,159,151/ 125,000 749,126 Douglas E. Fears................... -0- -0- 90,500/ 690,135/ 75,000 449,476 Steven R. Mackey................... -0- -0- 47,750/ 212,763/ 62,500 374,562 --------------- (1) The number of shares underlying options granted in the above chart do not reflect the adjustment made after September 30, 2002, to reflect the change in the value of the Corporation's stock as a result of the spin-off of the Corporation's former wholly-owned subsidiary, Cimarex Energy Co. However, the adjustment was made (to the number of shares and exercise price) in such a way that the aggregate intrinsic value of the options and the ratio of the exercise price per share to the market value per share remained approximately the same. The number of shares underlying such options have been increased by a factor of 1.314 by reason of such adjustment. (2) Fair market value used for computations in this column was $34.23 per share, which was the closing price of the Corporation's common stock on September 30, 2002. 11 (3) These totals contain out-of-the-money options of 90,000, 60,000, 50,000 30,000 and 25,000 for Messrs. Helmerich, Dotson, Shaw, Fears and Mackey, respectively. (4) Mr. Shaw resigned from the Corporation on September 30, 2002. SUMMARY OF ALL EXISTING EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS The following chart sets forth information concerning the equity compensation plans of the Corporation as of September 30, 2002. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION NUMBER OF SECURITIES REMAINING AVAILABLE WEIGHTED- FOR FUTURE ISSUANCE NUMBER OF SECURITIES AVERAGE EXERCISE UNDER EQUITY TO BE ISSUED UPON PRICE OF COMPENSATION PLANS EXERCISE OF OUTSTANDING (EXCLUDING SECURITIES OUTSTANDING OPTIONS, OPTIONS, WARRANTS REFLECTED IN COLUMN WARRANTS AND RIGHTS AND RIGHTS (A)) PLAN CATEGORY -------------------- ----------------- --------------------- ------------- (A) (B) (C) Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)...................... 2,949,225 $20.278 2,387,200 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(2)...................... -- -- -- Total(3)................................... 2,949,225 $20.278 2,387,200 --------------- (1) Includes the 1990 Stock Option Plan, the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan of the Corporation. (2) The Corporation does not maintain any equity compensation plans that have not been approved by the stockholders. (3) The number of shares underlying options granted and the number of shares remaining available for future issuance in the above chart do not reflect the adjustment made after September 30, 2002, to reflect the change in the value of the Corporation's stock as a result of the spin-off of the Corporation's former wholly-owned subsidiary, Cimarex Energy Co. The number of shares reflected in columns (a) and (c) as restated to give effect to such adjustment are 3,875,264 and 2,194,782, respectively. The weighted-average exercise price reflected in column (b) did not change as a result of the spin-off adjustment. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS The Corporation has no long-term incentive plans. 12 PENSION PLANS The pension plan benefit under the Corporation's retirement plan is calculated pursuant to the following formula: Compensation X 1.5% = Annual Pension Benefit. Pension benefits, which are accrued annually, are determined based on compensation received throughout a participant's career. "Compensation" includes salary, bonus, vacation pay, sick pay, Section 401(k) elective deferrals, and Section 125 "cafeteria plan" deferrals. Therefore, the pension benefit is not determined primarily by final compensation and years of service. Based upon this formula, an assumed annual salary and bonus growth rate of 6%, and an age 65 retirement date, the estimated annual benefits payable to each named executive officer at retirement are: ANNUAL CURRENT RETIREMENT NAME AGE BENEFIT(1) ---- ------- ---------- Hans Helmerich.............................................. 44 $783,309 George S. Dotson............................................ 62 $183,897 Douglas E. Fears............................................ 53 $163,650 Steven R. Mackey............................................ 52 $155,926 Steven R. Shaw(2)........................................... 52 -- --------------- (1) The annual retirement benefit has not been reduced for statutory compensation and benefit limits, as amounts over these limits would be payable pursuant to the Supplemental Retirement Income Plan for Salaried Employees of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. The benefits listed above are computed as a straight single life annuity and are not subject to any reduction for Social Security or other offset amounts. (2) Due to Mr. Shaw's resignation from the Corporation, he will be entitled to a deferred vested pension benefit. At age 65, Mr. Shaw will receive an estimated annual pension benefit of $66,303. REPORT ON REPRICING OF OPTIONS The exercise price and the number of shares underlying stock options of the named executive officers were adjusted after September 30, 2002, to reflect the change in the value of the Corporation's stock as a result of the spin-off of the Corporation's former wholly-owned subsidiary, Cimarex Energy Co. However, the adjustment was made (to the number of shares and exercise price) in such a way that the aggregate intrinsic value of the options and the ratio of the exercise price per share to the market value per share remained approximately the same. There were no other adjustments or amendments to the exercise price of stock options previously awarded to any of the named executive officers during the last fiscal year. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION During fiscal 2002, the members of the Corporation's Human Resources Committee (which functions as the Corporation's compensation committee) were Messrs. Armstrong, Schaefer, and Zeglis. No executive officer or director of the Corporation has any relationship covered by the Compensation Committee Interlock and Insider Participation regulations. 13 EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE-OF-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS The Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan, the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan and the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan contain a provision whereby all stock options and restricted stock will automatically become fully vested and immediately exercisable in the event of a "change of control" of the Corporation, as defined in such plans. If a named executive officer dies prior to age 65 while employed by the Corporation or after having retired under the Corporation's pension plan, then pursuant to an agreement with each named executive officer the surviving spouse of such deceased executive will be paid $2,250 per month for 120 consecutive months, commencing upon the date of death. Alternatively, if the named executive officer remains in the employment of the Corporation until age 65 or has retired under the provisions of the Corporation's pension plan, then commencing on his 65th birthday such executive officer shall be paid $225 per month for 120 consecutive months. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE REPORT Decisions with regard to the compensation of the Corporation's executive officers are generally made by the Human Resources Committee of the Board ("Committee"). Each member of the Committee is a non-employee director. Decisions about awards under the Corporation's stock-based compensation plans are made by the Committee and reported to the Board. All other decisions by the Committee relating to compensation of the Corporation's executive officers are reviewed and approved by the Board. Generally, the Committee meets in December following the end of a particular fiscal year to consider prospective calendar-year salary adjustments and stock-based compensation, as well as to consider bonus compensation for executive officers for the prior fiscal year. Executive Officer Compensation Policies The Corporation's executive compensation policies are designed to provide competitive levels of compensation that integrate pay with the Corporation's performance, recognize individual initiative and achievements, and assist the Corporation in attracting and retaining qualified executives. The Committee relies in large part on compensation studies for the determination of competitive compensation. These studies include salary and bonus compensation data from several competitor companies including certain of those companies contained within the S&P 500 Oil & Gas Drilling Index. Also, when the Committee contemplates the awarding of stock options or restricted stock to its executives, it considers the nature and amount of stock awards made by competitor companies to their executive officers. In order to implement these objectives, the Corporation has developed a straightforward compensation package consisting of salary, annual bonus, and periodic awards of stock options and/or restricted stock. Each element of the compensation package serves a particular purpose. Salary and bonus are primarily designed to reward current and past performance. Base salaries are conservatively set to recognize individual performance while attempting to generally approximate the median level of base salaries among the Corporation's competitors. Annual bonuses to executive officers are awarded based upon corporate and/or divisional performance criteria, competitive considerations, and the Committee's subjective determination of individual performance. Awards of stock options and restricted stock are primarily designed to tie a portion of each executive's compensation to long-term future performance of the Corporation. The Committee believes that stock ownership by management through stock-based 14 compensation arrangements is beneficial in aligning management's and stockholders' interests. The value of these awards will increase or decrease based upon the future price of the Corporation's stock. During fiscal 2002, the Committee, with the assistance of an independent compensation consulting firm, reviewed the Corporation's executive compensation practices. There were no material changes made in the Corporation's executive compensation practices as a result of such review. In determining executive compensation for fiscal 2002, the Committee considered the Corporation's overall historical performance and its future objectives, together with fiscal 2002 corporate performance. With regard to bonus awards, the Committee also considered the successful spin-off of the Corporation's wholly-owned subsidiary, Cimarex Energy Co. The Committee believes that this policy provides a certain degree of stability in executive compensation considering the cyclical nature of the Corporation's businesses. Within this framework, the Committee considered several disproportionately weighted corporate and divisional performance objectives in making its compensation decisions for fiscal 2002. The performance objectives applicable to the entire corporation and their weighting were: net income as a percentage of invested capital (70%) and earnings per share (30%). The divisional objectives and weighting for the contract drilling business were: divisional net income as a percentage of invested capital (70%); pre-tax cash flow from operations (15%); and after-tax income (15%). The divisional objectives and weighting for the exploration and production business were: finding cost (50%); after-tax income (25%); and divisional net income as a percentage of invested capital (25%). The Committee determined that none of the divisional target performance objectives for the exploration and production business and none of the corporate target performance objectives were met in fiscal 2002. The Committee determined that not all of the divisional target performance objectives for the contract drilling business were met in fiscal 2002. Each of the executive officers was assigned a 2002 target bonus award expressed as a percentage of base salary. Each of the executive officers was also assigned a corporate and/or divisional performance weighting percentage based upon each officer's corporate and/or divisional responsibilities. Whether an executive officer earns all, more, or a portion of his target bonus award depends upon satisfaction of corporate and/or divisional performance objectives, the corporate and/or divisional weighting assigned to an executive officer and the Committee's subjective determination of individual performance. In particular, the Committee considered in the determination of bonus awards for fiscal 2002 the successful spin-off of the Corporation's wholly-owned subsidiary, Cimarex Energy Co. During fiscal 2002, stock options were awarded to the executive officers and other key employees. In making these stock option awards, the Committee considered both individual performance and the amount of stock option awards made by competitors. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code provides that certain compensation to certain executive officers in excess of $1 million annually will not be deductible for federal income tax purposes. The Committee intends to continue to optimize the deductibility of compensation paid to the Corporation's executive officers. However, if compliance with Section 162(m) conflicts with the Corporation's compensation policy or what is believed to be in the best interests of the Corporation or its stockholders, then future compensation arrangements may not be fully deductible under Section 162(m). 15 Compensation Paid to the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Helmerich's compensation is determined in the same manner as described for the other executive officers. For fiscal 2002, Mr. Helmerich earned a $210,000 bonus and a 3% salary increase. Consistent with the Corporation's compensation policies, Mr. Helmerich's salary was increased in order to approximate the median level of base salaries of competitor CEOs. The bonus award was made in light of the Committee's subjective assessment of the quality of leadership displayed by Mr. Helmerich during a period of instability in the energy industry, and in consideration of the successful spin-off of the Corporation's wholly-owned subsidiary, Cimarex Energy Co. In addition, the Committee awarded Mr. Helmerich stock options to purchase 90,000 shares of stock. The Committee based this award on its subjective assessment of Mr. Helmerich's performance as CEO and the amount of stock options awarded to competitor CEOs. SUBMITTED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE William L. Armstrong George A. Schaefer John D. Zeglis AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT In conjunction with its activities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Corporation's audited financial statements with management of the Corporation. The members of the Audit Committee have also discussed with the Corporation's independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Accounting Standards No. 61. The Audit Committee has received from the Corporation's independent accountant the written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 and has discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant's independence. Based on the foregoing review and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Corporation's Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Corporation's fiscal year ended September 30, 2002. SUBMITTED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE Glenn A. Cox Edward B. Rust, Jr. L. F. Rooney, III 16 PERFORMANCE GRAPH The following performance graph reflects the yearly percentage change in the Corporation's cumulative total stockholder return on common stock as compared with the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Oil & Gas Drilling Index. All cumulative returns assume reinvestment of dividends and are calculated on a fiscal year basis ending on September 30 of each year. CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN ON COMMON STOCK [PERFORMANCE GRAPH] BASE YEARS ENDING PERIOD --------------------------------------------------------- SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC. 100.00 53.09 64.89 93.50 68.12 90.14 S&P 500 INDEX 100.00 109.05 139.36 157.88 115.85 92.12 S&P 500 OIL & GAS DRILLING INDEX 100.00 39.90 53.12 96.16 44.48 48.66 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION Each non-employee Director receives a $2,500 attendance fee for each regularly scheduled meeting that he attends, plus expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings. Each non-employee Director is eligible to receive stock option awards pursuant to the Helmerich & Payne, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan as an annual retainer fee in lieu of a cash retainer payment. In fiscal 2002, each non-employee Director was awarded stock options to purchase 2,800 shares of the Corporation's stock. Subsequent to September 30, 2002, the 2,800 shares awarded to each non-employee Director were increased to 3,679 shares to reflect the change in value of the Corporation's stock as a result of the September 30, 2002 spin-off of the Corporation's former wholly-owned subsidiary, Cimarex Energy Co. Mr. W. H. Helmerich, III receives no compensation from the Corporation for serving as its Chairman of the Board, nor do the employee Directors receive compensation for serving on the Board of Directors. 17 Members of the Corporation's Audit Committee and the Human Resources Committee receive a fee of $500 per meeting attended, plus expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings. It is anticipated that there will be four regularly scheduled meetings of the Board during fiscal 2003. TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS Mr. W. H. Helmerich, III, Chairman of the Board, retired from the Corporation in December of 1989. Pursuant to a consulting agreement with the Corporation, he receives $154,800 per year for a one-year term commencing January 1, 1990, plus reimbursement of reasonable business, travel, and other expenses in consideration of his agreement to provide advisory and consulting services (exclusive of services rendered by Mr. Helmerich as Chairman of the Board) to the Corporation. The consulting agreement is automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless terminated by the Corporation or Mr. W. H. Helmerich, III. Mr. Rik Helmerich is a son of Mr. W. H. Helmerich, III and the brother of Mr. Hans Helmerich. The Corporation, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, owns an outdoor shopping mall and leases space, at competitive rates, to two restaurants which are partially owned by Mr. Rik Helmerich. One of the restaurants also leases warehouse space from the Corporation. The annual rental paid by such restaurants to the Corporation in fiscal 2002 totaled approximately $108,600. SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002, all reports were filed on a timely basis with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In making this disclosure, the Corporation has relied solely upon the written representations of its Directors and executive officers, and copies of the reports they have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS The independent public accounting firm selected by the Corporation for the current year which audited the accounts of the Corporation for the fiscal year most recently completed is Ernst & Young LLP. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the stockholders' meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and to respond to appropriate questions. AUDIT FEES For fiscal 2002, the Corporation paid Ernst & Young LLP a total audit fee of $152,800. The audit fee covers the (i) annual audit of the Corporation's financial statements included in the Corporation's Form 10-K, and (ii) review of the Corporation's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002. FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION FEES Ernst & Young LLP did not perform any financial information technology services for the Corporation during fiscal 2002. 18 ALL OTHER FEES The Corporation was billed a total of $480,174 for all other services, including $248,469 for audit-related services and $237,705 for tax-related and other services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002. The Audit Committee considered whether Ernst & Young LLP's provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining such firm's independence. STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS The Corporation's annual meeting for 2004 will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2004. Any stockholder wishing to submit a proposal to the vote of the stockholders at such 2004 annual meeting must submit such proposal or proposals in writing to the Corporation at its executive office in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Attention: Corporate Secretary, on or before September 26, 2003, in order for such proposal or proposals to be considered for inclusion in the Corporation's proxy statement and accompanying proxy. For any other proposal that a stockholder wishes to have considered at the Corporation's 2004 annual meeting, the Corporate Secretary must receive written notice of such proposal during the period beginning December 19, 2003, and ending January 13, 2004. Proposals which are not received in such time period will be considered untimely and the persons serving as proxies will have discretion to vote on such matters at the meeting. In addition, proposals must also comply with the Corporation's By-Laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. OTHER MATTERS As of this date, management knows of no business which will come before the meeting other than that set forth in the notice of said meeting. If any other matter properly comes before the meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote on it in accordance with their best judgment. By Order of the Board of Directors /s/ STEVEN R. MACKEY STEVEN R. MACKEY Secretary Dated: January 24, 2003 19 -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD MARCH 5, 2003 AND PROXY STATEMENT (HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC. LOGO OMITTED) HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC. -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The undersigned hereby appoints as his/her proxies, with powers of substitution and revocation, W. H. Helmerich, III, Hans Helmerich, and Steven R. Mackey, or each of them (the "Proxies"), to vote all shares of Helmerich & Payne, Inc., which the undersigned would be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Helmerich & Payne, Inc., to be held at The Philbrook Museum Of Art, Patti Johnson Wilson Hall, 2727 South Rockford Road, Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, March 5, 2003, at 12:00 noon, Tulsa time, and all adjournments thereof. 1. Nominees for Directors of the "Third Class" for a three-year term are W. H. Helmerich, III, Glenn A. Cox, and Edward B. Rust, Jr. DIRECTORS RECOMMEND A VOTE FOR ITEM 1. [ ] FOR all listed nominees [ ] WITHHOLD vote from [ ] WITHHOLD vote only from __________ all listed nominees (Continued on Next Page) (Continued from First Page) THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WISHES OF THE STOCKHOLDER AS SPECIFIED IN THE SQUARES AND ON THE LINE PROVIDED ON THE REVERSE SIDE HEREOF; HOWEVER, IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE IN THE SQUARES OR ON THE LINE PROVIDED, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE FULL SLATE OF DIRECTORS. PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Dated: _______________________, 2003 ------------------------------------- (Sign here exactly as name appears herein. When shares are held by joint tenants, both must sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, guardian, or trustee, please give your full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by duly authorized officer and give title of officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.) ------------------------------------- (Signature if held jointly) APPENDIX TO ELECTRONIC FILING LIST OF IMAGE INFORMATION NOT FILED ELECTRONICALLY Photographs of the Directors and Nominees for Directors have been omitted from Pages 4 through 7 of this Proxy Statement. A graphic representation of the Performance Graph described on Page 17 of this Proxy Statement has been omitted. Proxy for Annual Meeting is filed herewith as an appendix.